Don't Wait Around, Do It Youself!

As Salaamu Alaikum and good morning. How is everyone feeling on this lovely Thursday morning? Oh how I love the mornings and I love Thursdays! Well I guess that I love everyday of the week. Alhumdulilah for each day! On this beautiful day that Allah has given us we are insha Allah going to make the best of it and be the most productive we that we can be. Insha Allah we are going to take full advantage of our time, study something new, read something new, try a new dish, create a new memory with your families, tell an old Friend something new. Oh the possibilities, insha Allah today will be wonderful!
If there is anyone out there like me, who desires to update, or renovate their kitchen, but the cost is just out of reach right now. Boy have I found the perfect solution for you. Even if you are renting this one may actually be doable. (Is that a word)?

The Back Splash 

This one little change in your kitchen can do wonders, it can change the look of your kitchen. Showcase your personality, add some color, make the space feel new. All with just a simple little DIY project, come one sisters don't let me take on this task by myself. Let's roll up oursleeves, push aside our aprons, kick off those heels, take the baby off your hips, and get our hands dirty for creative purposes. Let's have some fun! I am going to take you through the step by step process and provide you with a list of materials needed as well as possible cost.

Materials

• acrylic craft paints
• water-based polyurethane sealer
• latex wall paint, flat finish
• foam sheets to make stamps

Tools

• paintbrush
• craft knife
• scissors
• foam brush
• disposable foam brush
• bristle brush
• liner brush

It should require no more than 2 days and cost no more than $50.

Step 1: Make the Stamps

To make your own foam stamps, cut a pattern from foam sheets, available at craft stores. To make small tiles, cut a 1-1/4 inch square, with a handle for applying and removing the stamp. Carefully trim away a bit of the foam between the stamp and the handle to form a channel. The channel prevents paint from building up on the handle and being transferred to the surface that is being stamped.

Step 2: Paint the Project Surface

Before stamping, paint your project surface with flat latex wall paint. Avoid a glossy-finish paint, which will cause the stamps to slide around as you're stamping.

Step 3: Apply the Paint to the Foam Stamp

Use a small brush to apply a minimal amount of acrylic craft paint to the foam stamp. Unlike sponges, which soak up paint, foam stamps are not absorbent, so very little paint is required to print a crisp design. (be creative with the colors if you like)

Step 4: Press the Stamps to the Wall

Begin your tiled wall by pressing the square foam stamp to the wall in an even checkerboard pattern, leaving 1/8" between squares to create a "grout line". Use each paint-loaded stamp at least four times before reapplying paint. The varying color gradations from tile to tile imitate the look of real tile. If desired, go back over individual squares with other tints to enhance the appearance.

Step 5: Cover the Area with the Pattern

Cover your project area completely with a tile-stamped pattern, or use pre-made or custom-made stamps to paint fruit or vegetables in the middle of the back splash. Wash the foam stamps thoroughly when finished.

Step 6: Fill In the Spaces with Paint

When you're satisfied with the design, dip a liner brush in the flat wall color, and carefully go over the 1/8" spaces left between "tiles" to simulate grout and to make the design appear as though it was made of individual tiles.

Step 7: Seal the Surface

When the tile-painted surface is complete and dry, protect the entire area with a coat or two of polyurethane sealer.

Step 8: Sit back and sip some tea while enjoying the work you have done yourself without spending countless dollars.

Who Will be Shaded on the day in Which There is no Shade?

Innalhamda lillahee, nahmaduhu wa nasta'eenuhu wa nastaghfiruhu, wa na'oodhu billaahi min shuroori anfusinaa wa min sayyiaati a'maalinaa. Mainyah dihillaahu falaa mudillilahu, wa mainyudlil falaa haadiya lah.

"Alhumdulillah. Indeed, all praise is due to Allah. We praise Him and seek His Help and forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from our souls' evils and our wrong doings. He whom Allah guides, no one can misguide; and he whom He misguides, no one can guide."

 

Who will be shaded by Allah's shade on the day when there is no shade?



The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “There are seven whom Allah will shade with His shade on the day when there will be no shade except His: the just ruler; a young man who grows up worshipping his Lord; a man whose heart is attached to the mosque; two men who love one another for the sake of Allah and meet and part on that basis; a man who is called by a woman of rank and beauty and says ‘I fear Allah’; a man who gives in charity and conceals it to such an extent that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives; and a man who remembers Allah when he is alone, and his eyes fill up.”
[Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

On the great Day (the Day of Resurrection) when mankind will be suffering distress and hardship, the sun will be brought near to mankind, until the distance between them is equal to the length of the stick used for applying kohl to the eyes [meel - may also mean a “mile”], and all the people will sweat according to their deeds, except for some of the believers, whom Allah will single out to shade them with His shade, and He will protect them from the sun and from sweating.

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said:
“The sun will be brought near to the earth and the people will sweat. For some people, the sweat will come up to their heels; for some it will come halfway up their shins; for some it will come up to their knees; for some it will come up to their backsides; for some it will come up to their hips; for some it will come up to their shoulders; for some it will come up to their necks; for some it will come up to the middle of their mouths; and some of them will be completely covered with their sweat.” [Narrated by Imaam Ahmad in his Musnad]

Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy upon him) commented on the hadith (about the seven whom Allah will shade) in his commentary on Sahih Al- Bukhari, Fath al-Baari:
“with His shade”: The fact that the shade is connected to Allah is an expression of honour, for every shade belongs to Him. It was said that this refers to His honour and protection, just as it may be said (in Arabic) that a person is in the shade (or shadow) of the king. And it was said that it refers to the shadow of His Throne, which is more correct.

Number One“the just ruler”: means one who holds the position of khaleefah, and anyone else who is appointed to a position of authority over the Muslims’ affairs, and he fulfils his duties justly.
The best definition of “just” is: one who obeys the commands of Allah and puts everything in its proper place without going to the extreme either of overdoing it or of negligence. The just ruler is mentioned first because his benefits are so far-reaching.

Sisters I ask that Allah make us all Just when dealing with our families. Ameen As mothers we are in a position of authority over our children and being unjust can happen even though we are unaware of it. I ask that Allah make up and keep us amongst those who are just and deal justly with all who we are given authority over. Ameen

Number Two
“a young man”: Young men are mentioned in particular because they are more likely to feel desire because of their strong motives for following their desires. The fact that a young man adheres to worship despite that is indicative of the strength of his taqwaa (piety).
“worshipping his Lord”: In the hadith of Salmaan it says that he “spent his youth and his energy in worshipping Allah.”

How are we raising our children, are we giving them all the tolls they need in order to worship Allah in a matter that is befitting to His Majesty? Often times we don't pay attention to the small things, but if left alone those small things grow until they are too big to be removed. Who is raising our children? Are we raising them on the pure Islam of Quran and Sunnah? Is the television raising our children? Do the kuffar at school raise our children? Are we through our own actions destroying our children? Sisters please take a moment to think of these questions and you know best the answer to all of them. I ask Allah to help us to raise our children to be righteous Muslim, whom He is pleased with. Ameen.

Number Three
“attached to the mosque”: The apparent meaning is attachment in the sense of hanging, as if his heart is likened to something that hangs in the mosque – like a lamp, for example – indicating that his heart is so strongly attached to the mosque that even when he leaves the mosque, his heart is still there. Or it could mean attachment in the sense of a deep love.

Muslim Mommies and Wives, this is our time to act. Remind your husbands of the importance of praying in the masjid and teach your sons to love the masjid, through actions. Kindly direct your husband to the masjid when it is time, direct him with a beautiful reminder. Post hadith on the importance of salat in the masjid in jama ah, and urge him to take with him his sons. I ask Allah to cause our husbands and sons to have a heart that is attached to the Masjid. Ameen

Number Four
“love one another”: means, they shared a kind of love whereby each loved the other in a genuine sense, not just to show off.
“and [they] meet and part on that basis”: means, this is an ongoing love based on religion, which they do not cut off for any worldly reason, whether they meet in reality or not, until death comes between them.

I ask Allah to make us sisters to one another, to cause us to love one another for His sake Alone. I ask that He Allah Azza wa Jal unites our hearts through worshipping Him in a manner that befits His majesty. I ask that Allah allows us to love each other to the point where we remind each other and we call each other to the truth and forbid one another from the haram. I ask Allah to remove anyone or any friendship from me that is not for His pleasure. Ameen

Number Five
“a man who is called by a woman of rank and beauty”: The meaning of “rank” is, of high birth or a high position; this may refer to lineage or to wealth. The woman is described as having all the qualities which people usually seek, power and wealth, along with beauty. It is very rare to find all three in a woman. The apparent meaning is that she called him to commit immoral actions.
“and says ‘I fear Allah’”: The apparent meaning is that he says this out loud, either to rebuke her for her immorality or to refuse her call. It may also be that he says it in his heart.

Oh Allah please protect us, our husbands and our children. Ameen

Number Six
“to such an extent that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives”: What is meant by this is that he conceals his charitable giving, and goes to such an extreme that his left hand, even though it is so close to his right hand and is always with it that even if we imagined that it could understand, it would not know what the right hand is doing because of this utter secrecy. This is a metaphor.

Sisters everyday we give so much of ourselves to our families and it is certainly a sadaqa. Sometimes we can forget this and complain of what we do and how much we do. Please try and remember whatever we do if it isn't for the pleasure of Allah it will be rejected. So as you cook and clean and teach and organize and nurse and counsel and advise. Remember Allah, purify your intentions and ask Allah to give you patience and to help you to restrain your tongue from reminding the people in you households what you do.

Number Seven
“and a man who remembers Allah”: either in his heart, or by mentioning Him out loud.
“when he is alone”: because this is furthest away from showing off. What is meant here is that there are no distractions, so he pays attention to nothing except Allah.
“his eyes fill up (lit. flood)”: means, they fill with tears; this is another metaphor.

Although men are mentioned in this hadith, women are also included in what is described here. Although what is meant by a “just leader” is the position of imaam (khaleefah), women may also be included in this, if they have children and treat them justly.
The idea of being attached to the mosque does not apply to women, because a woman’s prayer in her home is better than her prayer in the mosque.
Apart from that, women have a share in all of these things; if a man may be called by a woman, then it can be imagined that a woman could be called by a handsome king, for example, and she refuses because she fears Allah, even though she may have motives to respond.
There are others whom Allah will also shade with His shade – apart from the seven mentioned in the hadith quoted above – who are mentioned in other Hadith, Ibn Hajar listed them in Fath al-Baari as follows:
“Those who fight (for the sake of Allah); those who help the mujaahideen; those who defer payment of debt for debtors who are in difficulty, or let them off all or part of the debt; those who help people who are heavily in debt; those who help slaves who have drawn up contracts of manumission; those who have a good attitude; those who walk to the mosque; sincere and honest traders; those who take what is due to them and no more; those who spend for the sake of Allah; those who sponsor orphans.”
We ask Allah to shade us with His shade on the Day when there will be no shade except His.
And Allah knows best!

Oh Allah please make us from amongst the people who will be shaded by your shade on the day in which there will be no shade. Oh Allah please make us grateful for you blessings and favors, oh Allah please remove all hatred of one another from our hearts, oh Allah please help us to be the best mothers and wives we can be calling our families to worship You Alone without nay partners. Oh Allah please increase us in Beneficial Knowledge, and Taqwaa, and Iman. Ameen

Make Over Monday, The Closet

AsSalaamu Alaikunna and Good Morning, Insha Allah today is Make Over Monday and we will continuing in our quest of "Calming the Chaos". Being organized has so many benefits, from saving you time to saving you money. Saving you money!? How does being organized and clutter free save us money? Here is the deal a little secret I will share with you, but you probably already know you just haven't thought about it. Have you ever purchased a new item, took it home, prepared to put it away only to discover that you already had that item or something similar to it? Well this is how we waste our money and time. This is common for us women not all of us but many. We all have clothing and maybe it is not so neatly organized, we can't really see or know all that we have. We have Hijab all over the place stuffed in drawers, hanging off hooks anywhere and everywhere. Not to mention other clothing items. Well today sisters we are going to save some time, and money, and figure out a way to make our excess work in our favor in both this life and the next. Insha Allah. May Allah grant us his Tawfiq and put barakat in our work, Ameen.

The Closet 

That's right sisters we are going to get those closets into shape today and at the same time if possible earn some barakat by giving sadaqa.



Tip 1

Clear it out

Distinguish clothing and shoes that you wear and items that you don't wear. You can do this by the golden rule of closet organizing: If you haven't worn it in a while, or it doesn't fit anymore put it in a pile to be given away as Sadaqa. Let's try not to throw any thing out unless you know for certain it is worn out and can't be given in charity and you yourself won't be able to wear it either.


Tip 2
If the shoe fits

If you are keeping your shoe boxes, label what is inside. Alternatively, invest in clear shoe boxes with drawer-front pulls; they allow you to see what's inside so you can easily access your shoes. If you are tight on space you can purchase over the door shoe racks. These work great with keeping things neat and orderly and they are see through so no searching. Insha Allah you don't have too many shoes, you certainly don't want to be excessive.

Tip 3
Get hung up

Use every square inch of your closet. Hang shoe racks on the back of your closet door. Classic belt hangers with multiple hooks are also a good solution for hanging camisoles, bras, or Hijab. Use wood hangers for your Jilbab they hold the shape better and keep them form falling off. You could also use plastic hangers and pin them to keep from sliding off. Also try coordinating your wardrobe. Sort by color, and hang like-types of clothing together (i.e. skirts, pants, blouses, etc.).





Tip 4
Don't Sweat the Sweater
Sort sweaters, T-shirts, and other folded clothing by type. Always remove sweaters from hangers and fold them. Hangers will ruin the shape of sweaters over time.

Store sweaters on shelves in manageable-sized stacks or if possible, store them in sweater boxes with well marked labels

Tip 5
Seasonal change
It's possible that no matter how much you try to edit and organize, you just have too much stuff to fit in your closet. If that's the case, then you need to resort to a seasonal system by rotating your fall/winter clothes with your spring/summer clothes. Covered clothing racks can be filled with out-of-season clothes and kept in your attic or basement. If you don't have and attic or basement you can store in flat boxes under your bed.


Insha Allah we are well on our way to "Calming the Chaos" and just in time for Ramadan. Let's try and have everything de-cluttered and organized so that our focus can be more on gaining beneficial knowledge and Barakat this Ramadan and less on cleaning big messes. "Enjoy cleaning out your closets and enjoy your day".

Ramadan is near, Are you Prepared?

As Salaamu Alaikum and Good morning, as Ramadan is drawing nearer the question has been going out " What do you do to prepare for it"? I have seen many answers and most of them center around decorating the home or preparing for meals to be cooked. Very few have been about making sure my schedule is centered around giving me the most benefit I could possibly gain from this month of Ramadan. Insha Allah sisters I would like to take today and discuss the virtues of the Month of Ramadan and planning schedules that will be most beneficial to us insha Allah.

Allaah has made fasting this month the fourth pillar of Islam, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month…”

[al-Baqarah 2:185] 

and it was narrated in al-Saheehayn (al-Bukhaari, 8; Muslim, 16) from the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Islam is built on five (pillars): the testimony that there is no god except Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah; establishing prayer; paying zakaah; fasting Ramadaan; and Hajj to the House (the Ka’bah).” 

Allaah has made fasting Ramadaan and spending its nights in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward a means of forgiveness of sins, as was proven in al-Saheehayn (al-Bukhaari, 2014; Muslim, 760) from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah according to which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadaan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” And al-Bukhaari (2008) and Muslim (174) also narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever spends the nights of Ramadaan in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” 

The Muslims are unanimously agreed that it is Sunnah to pray qiyaam at night in Ramadaan. Al-Nawawi said that what is meant by praying qiyaam in Ramadaan is to pray Taraweeh, i.e., one achieves what is meant by qiyaam by praying Taraaweeh. 

Fasting Ramadaan is a means of expiation for the sins committed since the previous Ramadaan, so long as one avoids major sins. It was proven in Saheeh Muslim (233) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The five daily prayers, from one Jumu’ah to the next and from one Ramadaan to the next are expiation for (sins committed) in between, so long as you avoid major sins.” 

8 – Fasting in Ramadaan is equivalent to fasting ten months, as is indicated by the hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim (1164) narrated from Abu Ayyoob al-Ansaari: “Whoever fasts Ramadaan then follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be like fasting for a lifetime.” Ahmad (21906) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadaan, a month is like ten months, and fasting six days after al-Fitr will complete the year.” 

It is mustahabb in the sense of being strongly recommended in Ramadaan to study the Qur’aan together and to read it a great deal. You may study the Qur’aan together by reciting it to someone else and by having someone else recite it to you. The evidence that this is mustahabb is the fact that Jibreel used to meet the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) every night in Ramadaan and study the Qur’aan with him. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6; Muslim, 2308. 

Reading Qur’aaan is mustahabb in general, but more so in Ramadaan.  It is mustahabb in Ramadaan to offer iftaar to those who are fasting, because of the hadeeth of Zayd ibn Khaalid al-Juhani (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever gives iftaar to one who is fasting will have a reward like his, without that detracting from the fasting person’s reward in the slightest.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 807; Ibn Maajah, 1746; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 647. see question no: ( 12598 ) 

Alhumdulilah we are approaching this most Blessed Month, and May Allah allow us to see it and reap it's benefits and rewards. Ameen. Now is the time to prepare for this, we have to make our day as beneficial as possible. It is time to make sure our schedules are in order and that they reflect the benefit we wish to receive. I have heard this question several times "How do you plan your Ramadan Schedule"? Alhumdulilah, the first thing I believe we should do, is set goals for ourselves. My family and I have a tradition where we sit in our rooms and we write what we want to achieve during Ramadan. When my children were much younger I would help them with this more than now, now that they are older 19, 12, and 9 this is something they can do one their own and we share it with each other. For example if you are a usually a stingy person, maybe your goal is to become more generous, so during this month you would practice that and make dua that this is something that will become your character. Another example perhaps you are a person who spends much time speaking and you know best that your kalam isn't beneficial, then maybe one of your goals could to speak less and make sure that when you do it is beneficial. So take this month to practice that while making dua that this becomes your character. The idea of this goal making is to actually try and achieve these goals and to call upon Allah to facilitate this for you.

The Turner of Hearts

The words of Allah Almighty, "We will overturn their hearts and sight." (6:110)
6956. Salim related that 'Abdullah [ibn 'Umar] said, "The most frequent oath used by the Prophet was, 'By the turner of hearts!'"

Sisters please take full advantage of your time during Ramadan and in my opinion the best way to prepare for it is to plan. Schedule your days and be sure to include every detail of your day, make your goals and reaching them a part of your schedule.Plan your meals in advance and don't make them too complicated. Get most of your shopping done for cooking if possible this way you don't have to worry about running to the stores. Rise early and stay awake in order to draw the most benefit form your day. I have prepared my Ramadan Schedule for this year and Insha Allah I am sharing it with you all. May Allah cause us to gain the most reward and benefit from the Blessed Month on Ramadan. Ameen

Husband and Wife Make Time for Each Other and Study Islam

As Salaamu Alaikum, and good morning. We have had a wonderful week alhumdulilah so much has been accomplished. let's see we made schedules on Sunday, organized our kitchens on Monday, figured out how to save a little extra money on Tuesday, realized that we weren't close to done with learning Islam on Wednesday, Had fun making prayer rugs with out little ones on Thursday and created some lasting family traditions on Friday. Whoa what a week it has been! Now we are back at Saturday and Alhumdulilah we can take sometime to take care of mom and dad, those two very important members of our households, that's right us! So many times I say this and I have a few companions who tell me I sound like a broken record, however it is so very important that the leaders of the home are well, have high Iman, Taqwaa, patience, piety, and knowledge. How else can we raise a new generation of Muslim, a generation which fears and obeys Allah and benefits the Ummah of Rasulluallah ( Salla Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam) .

So today my suggestion is to once again focus on the president (husband, dad) and vice president (wife, mom). However we are going to try and view it from a different angle, we are Insha Allah making this a day for husband and wife to focus on increasing their Iman through increasing their ibaadat and knowledge.

Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #3095, Narrated AbuUmamah , Transmitted by Ibn Majah

The Prophet used to say, "After fear of Allah a believer gains nothing better for himself than a good wife who obeys him if he gives her a command, pleases him if he looks at her, is true to him if he adjures her to do something, and is sincere towards him regarding her person and his property if he is absent."

Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #3254, Narrated Anas ibn Malik  

Allah's Messenger said, "When a woman observes the five times of prayer, fasts during Ramadan, preserves her chastity and obeys her husband, she may enter by any of the gates of Paradise she wishes."

[AbuNu'aym transmitted it in al-Hilyah.]

Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi 3272, narrated Abu Hurayrah

When Allah's Messenger was asked which woman was best he replied, "The one who pleases (her husband) when he looks at her, obeys him when he gives a command, and does not go against his wishes regarding her person or property by doing anything of which he disapproves." [Nasa'i and Bayhaqi, in Shu'ab al-Iman transmitted it.]

"They ask your legal instruction concerning women, say:  Allah instructs you about them..." [Qur'an 4:127]

The Prophet said:

"The best among you is the one who is the best towards his wife"



Hadith - Muslim, #3469

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger as saying: A believing man should not hate a believing woman; it he dislikes one of her characteristics, he will be pleased with another.

"Among His signs is the fact that he has created spouses from among yourselves, so that you may find tranquillity with them; and he has put love and mercy between you. In that are signs for people who reflect." [Qur’an 30:21]

and again:

"They (wives) are garments for you, while you are garments for them." [Qur’an 2:187]

Not just today, but everyday show kindness and gentleness towards one another. Today let's try just sitting together and talking with each other, not about the problems of the children, or the bills of the house, or the issues with menus. Whatever issues we have let's leave them off and focus on each other, discuss how we can pencil in time in both our busy schedules to study something together, memorize a new surah, review a surah, study it's tafsir. Let's talk about how much we truly mean to each other. This is so important and life with all the things that busy us can keep us away from the simple things like saying "Honey I appreciate what you do for our family, you did a wonderful job today, May Allah be pleased with you. Etc.." 

Continue reciting the Qur'an because on the Day of Qiyaamah it will appear as an intercessor for the reciter.
(Muslim).

A person whose breast is devoid of the Qur'an (i.e. has not learnt anything of the Qur'an Majeed) is like a desolate house.(Tirmidhi).

Whoever recites the Qur'an well and clearly is equal in rank to the Angels who record creation's deeds. These Angels are gracious, honorable and of lofty rank. He who finds difficulty in reciting the Qur'an will obtain a double reward.
(Bukhari, Muslim).

This is something husband and wife can do together, encourage one another with this, memorize it, learn it's meaning together and implement it in your lives. You will see that this makes your marriage and your household beautiful.

Eating together in groups is Sunnah and it is a cause of Baraka (Blessing) in the meal. Abu Dawood reported in his 'Sunan' that the companions of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said to him 'O Prophet of Allah! We eat but do not get satisfied. He said: "May be you eat individually" . They replied: 'yes'. He said: "Get together for your meal and mention the name of Allah on it, Allah will bless it for your." Al-Albany said this Hadith has a good chain. Ibn Attiya said in his Tafseer (Qur'an explanation): 'This seerah (tradition of eating together) was inherited by the Arabs from Prophet Ibrahim who used never to eat alone.' Then Allah said: {……No sin on you whether you eat together or apart……. } [24:61]
This verse made it lawful for the person to eat alone even though looking for another person to share the same meal with him is a good thing. So, if the person eats alone, this does not obligatorily means that Satan will eat with him. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: "When a person enters his house and mentions the name of Allah at the time of entering it and while eating the food, Satan says (addressing himself): You have no place to spend the night and no evening meal; but when he enters without mentioning the name of Allah, the Satan says: You have found a place to spend the night, and when he does not mention the name of Allah while eating food, he (the Satan) says: You have found a place to spend the night and evening meal." [ Muslim ]

Many of us have spouses who work long hours and we eat before they are home, however if at all possible try and make a few days when you can sit together and eat and enjoy each others company and talk about the good things in your day.

These are just a few suggestions for strengthening your marriage, it is so very important. I am sure many of you have other suggestion so if you would so kindly share them with us that would be beautiful. Insha Allah "Enjoy your day"

Fit Friday, Let's Make Some Lasting Family Traditions

As Salaamu Alaikunna and good morning sisters! Alhumdulilah we have reached another Friday and this is our day. Let's make the most of it and start making some lasting family traditions. We have so few years with our children trust me they pass by so quickly, before you know it our children are out of our homes and constant care and supervision. For all of you who have young adult children you can relate with me here. You never stop missing them or wanting them around, so cherish the time you have to make lasting impressions on them, so that when they are older they still want to be around you as well. It starts when they are younger giving them a knowledge of Islam and showing them a love of Islam and of course plenty of Duaat. So today insha Allah we will go over some ways that we can celebrate Friday together as a family.

The Virtues and Sunnnat of Jummah
Hadhrat Ali Ibn Abu Taalib (RA) narrated: on the pulpit in the mosque of Kufah: When Friday comes, the devils go to the markets with their flags, and involve people in their needsand prevent them from the Friday prayer. The angels come early in the morning, sit at the door of the mosque, and record that so-and-so came at the first hour, and so-and-so came at the second hour until the imam comes out (for preaching). When a man sits in a place where he can listen (to the sermon) and look (at the imam), where he remains silent and does not interrupt, he will receive a double reward. If he stays away, sits in a place where he cannot listen (to the sermon), silent, and does not interrupt, he will receive the reward only once. If he sits in a place where he can listen (to the sermon) and look (at the imam), and he does not remain silent, he will have the burden of it. If anyone says to his companion sitting besides him to be silent (while the imam is preaching), he is guilty of idle talk. Anyone who interrupts (during the sermon) will receive nothing (no reward) on that Friday. Then he (the narrator) says in the end of this tradition: I heard the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) say so. (Abu Dawood 1046)

1. Jummah preparations should begin on Thursday such as clipping the nails, removing of the hair etc (Ihya aul-Uloom, vol. 1, page 161)

2. To have a bath (Ghusl) (Bukhari, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

On one Friday, Rasulallah said: "O Muslims! Allah Ta'ala has made this day a day of Eid. So have a bath on this day, whoever has perfume should apply it, and use the Miswaak.“ (Ibn Majah)

3. To use Miswaak (Ibid)

4. To use Attar (Perfume) (Ibid)

5. To wear nice clothes (Abu Dawood, Chapter of Ghusl on the day of Jummah)

6. To proceed early as possible to the Masjid for Jummah

Rasulallah (Pbuh) said: "On the day of Jummah, the angels stand at the entrance of that Masjid in which Jummah salaat is to be offered. They write down the name of the person who enters the Masjid first, and thereafter the name of the person who follows, and they continue doing this. The person who entered first will receive the reward of sacrificing a camel in the path of Allah; the one who followed him will get the reward of sacrificing a cow, thereafter a chicken, thereafter the reward of giving an egg as charity in the path of Allah.
Once the khutbah commences, the angels close the register and begin listening to the khutbah. “ (Bukhari and Muslim)

7. To walk to the Masjid if possible for every step is a reward of a years Nafl Fast (Tirmidhi)

8. One should listen very attentively to the khutba even if one does not understand. One should not speak or even warn another to keep quite while the khutba is in progress.

9. To try to sit as close as possible to the Imaam. (Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi)

10. If the Saffs (rows) are already filled, one should not jump over the shoulders of the musallies in order to get to the front. (Abu Dawood)

11. One should not fiddle with clothes or fingers but listen attentively (Ibn Majah)

12. When Rasulallah (Pbuh) name is mentioned in the khutba then it is permissible to recite durood in the heart only without the movement of the lips or tongue.


13. Between the two khutba’s one should make dua. It is permissible to make dua without raising hands or moving the lips (I.e. dua should be made in the heart only without the movement of the lips or the tongue) (Aadaab -E - Zindagee)

14. To read: Surah Al A’ala (Sura no 87) in the first rakaat of Jummah Salah and Surah Gaathia (Surah no 88) in the second rakaat. (Bukhari)

15. Related by Hakim and Bayhaqi, from Abu Sa`id “Whoever recites Surat al-Kahf on Friday, light shall shine forth for him between the two Fridays.” (Ibn Hajar, Talkhis al- Habir)

16. Rasulallah (Pbuh) is reported to have said, “Recite Durood upon me in abundance on the day of Jummah since they are presented to me.” (Ibn Majah)

17 . Making abundant dua on Jummah

Rasulallah (Pbuh) said: "There is such an hour on Friday that if any Muslim makes dua in it, his dua will definitely be accepted.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

18 . Reciting Durood 80 times after Asr:

According to a Hadith recorded in Tabarani on the authority of Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) : Abu Hurraira (RA) reports that the Holy Prophet (Pbuh) said: “Whoever recites the following Durood eighty times immediately after Asr Salaat on Friday, before standing up from his place, Allah will forgive eighty years of sins and grant him the reward equivalent to eighty years of worship.”

Allahumma salli alaa muhammadinin nabiyyil ummiyyi wa-ala aalihi wasallim tasleema

O Allah bless Muhammad, the unlettered Prophet, and his family and grant them best of peace. (Jame Sagheer)

19. Abu Hurraira narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: The five daily prayers, and from one Jummah to the next, are an expiation for whatever sins come in between, so long as one does not commit any major sin. (Muslim, 233)

20. It was narrated from Abu Hurraira that the Prophet (Pbuh) said: Whoever does Ghusl then comes to Jummah, and prays as much as Allah decrees for him, then listens attentively until the khutbah is over, then prays with him (the imam), will be forgiven for (his sins) between that and the next Jummah and three more days. (Muslim, 857)

Al-Nawawi (Ra) said:

The scholars said that what is meant by his being forgiven between the two Jummah and three more days is that a good deed is worth ten like it, so he will be rewarded with ten rewards for each of the good deeds that he did on Friday. Some of our companions said: What is meant by what is between the two Jummah is from Jummah prayer and the khutbah until the same time on the following Friday, so that it will be seven days, no more and no less, then three days are added making ten in all.

21. Coming early to Jummah brings a great reward.

Abu Hurraira (Ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: “Whoever does Ghusl on Friday like Ghusl for janaabah, then goes to the prayer (in the first hour, i.e., early), it is as if he sacrificed a camel. Whoever goes in the second hour, it is as if he sacrificed a cow; whoever goes in the third hour, it is as if he sacrificed a horned ram; whoever goes in the fourth hour, it is as if he sacrificed a hen; and whoever goes in the fifth hour it is as if he offered an egg. When the imam comes out, the angels come to listen to the khutbah.”
(Bukhari, 814 and Muslim, 850)

22. If a person walks to Jummah prayer, for every step he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyaam for one year.

It was narrated from Aws ibn Aws al-Thaqafi that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: Whoever does Ghusl on Friday and causes (his wife) to do Ghusl, and sets out early, and comes close to the imam and listens and keeps quiet, for every step he takes he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyaam for one year.” (al-Tirmidhi, 496)

Ibn al-Qayyim (Ra) said in Zaad al-Maâ’aad, 1/285:

May Allah give us the ability to act upon all of these virtuous deeds and Sunnah of Rasulallah (salla allahu alaihi wa sallam). Ameen

For many of us women we are not going to the masajid every Friday and even when we do, we can still and should have some traditions at home with our children and husbands. Friday is our Eid and we should celebrate it, in a manner that will Insha Allah be both beneficial to our families and pleasing to Allah. As wives and mommies we are so important in raising this foundation of good in our homes so there are a few things we can do.

Read Quran with your Children

Insha Allah this gives them a love of Allah's book and it also creates a feeling of love between the family.  Insha Allah we can set an example for our children and when they are older they will remember that this is something good to do.





Have Family Dinner

Insha Allah this is something we do already we eat together as a family, however on Friday make the day a little more festive. Plan a nice meal, it doesn't have to be big, but maybe we can make the house nice and use the nice dinner ware. Just make it an enjoyable, special experience. It will be something that insha Allah when our children are grown up they remember and love to do with you. SO they will want to keep this tradition and always come to mom and dads house, even when they have their own families.


Play Games Together

This can be any type of permissible game, such as Islamic trivia (you can make the questions according to your child's knowledge) this is fun and it creates love and also is a great way of increasing your child's knowledge and insha Allah Iman. Board games are also fun, such as scrabble Jr. and things like that. This creates a family bond and the children look forward to their Eid. 





Let's start some family traditions with our children, teach them the virtues and etiquettes of Friday according to the Quran and Sunnah. Show them love for our religion and family. Insha Allah they will grow up knowing that every week for the Muslim is a holiday. Please enjoy your day with your families, and May Allah give you the good of this day, this world and the here after. Ameen

Any sisters who would like to share some of their family traditions for Friday please share them with us so that we may all draw benefit from each other.